IN THE HOT SEAT
the energy effi cient product solutions. So, there is defi nitely an opportunity in the FM sector and we are expanding our team to refl ect this.
Q. How do Diff usions’s modular fan coil units fi t these trends, particularly with the shift towards energy effi ciency? A. Our Modular Highline 235 range is specifi cally designed with the refurbishment market in mind and is ideal for change of use. We are witnessing an increased demand for fan coils that can fi t into tight spaces, like ceiling voids as small as 235mm, which are common in older commercial buildings. Currently many commercial building owners are reassessing their properties and opting for redesigns as they adapt to fl exible- working pattens. In addition, they are also facing new regulations designed to curb carbon emissions from commercial buildings. Driven by the Government’s legally-binding
target to meet Net Zero by 2050, all commercial buildings are now required to have an energy performance certifi cate (EPC) rated E or above, rising to C in 2027 and B in 2030. This is heralding a wave of commercial property refurbishments since nearly three quarters of London’s commercial buildings are currently rated at D or below, according to estate agents Savills.
The winners will be the property owners
who reduce building carbon emissions while adapting swiftly to the challenge of fl exible- working patterns, modifying existing buildings as needs change. Our fan coils not only help achieve these ratings but also address the fl exible-working trends reshaping offi ce spaces.
Q. What role does Diff usion play in helping the industry meet the UK’s Net Zero goals? A. The race to Net Zero in 2050, is looming. All of our products are designed to help our customers build low-carbon buildings. We’ve invested heavily in research and development, and we’re committed to providing CIBSE TM65 calculations to off er transparent embodied carbon data to help specifi ers design low carbon buildings. We’ve already completed these calculations for our entire product portfolio in accordance with the latest CIBSE TM65 Embodied Carbon in Building Services: A Calculation Methodology (2021) digital tool requirements. This milestone allows Diff usion to provide Mid-Level report fi gures for all of its fan coil units. Diff usion is now working towards the completion of more comprehensive and independently verifi ed Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all its fan coil units.
Q. What trends are you seeing with the rise of low-carbon buildings? A. We’re seeing a rise in specifi ers designing low-carbon buildings, which means they are more focused on product performance. With this rise there has been an increase in requests for witness testing, where specifi ers and end- users visit our in-house test facility to see our fan coil units in action. The test facility accurately simulates the environment of a project so that a fan coil unit can operate and be Certifi ed in front of the specifi er or end-user. This delivers assurance that the fan coil being tested will meet and often exceed the project’s criteria and demonstrates it in real time. The tests
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cover everything from volumetric and acoustic to thermal performance. In addition, we even commission the industry’s reputable Sound Research Laboratory to independently verify the sound test results to provide further reassurance to our customers.
Q. With so much emphasis on location produc- tion and sustainability, what are the benefi ts of Diff usion’s UK manufacturing? A. We are really proud of our UK manufacturing at Diff usion. UK manufacturing gives us a real advantage. It means we can respond quickly to customer needs, manufacture to tight deadlines, and deliver directly from our UK sites. This shorter supply chain not only helps meet project deadlines but also reduces the embodied carbon in our products. Plus, having local manufacturing refl ects our intention to becoming carbon neutral.
Q. Tell us about Diff usion’s commitment to Con- tinuing Professional Development (CPD). A. Diff usion is committed to Continuing Professional Development and has a CIBSE approved CPD available. The free course ‘Understanding Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning’ explains the concept of air conditioning and explores fan coil units from selection to design and installation. It is designed to provide practical knowledge that aids the specifi cation and installation of energy-effi cient systems, with topics like motor technology, specifi c fan power (SFP), control systems, and noise ratings.
www.acr-news.com • December 2024 27
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